“N” Tractor 12V Power Distribution

whopist · Aug 21, 2015

In converting “N” front mount distributor Tractors to use 12V Chevy 3 wire Alternators I have always labored on where to put the extra resistor while keeping the 6V round coil; and, also the diode to turn off the engine.

This time I’m trying something new. I built a new wider Ignition Resistor/Distribution Plate. This gave me more room to add a fourth connector stud for the needed diode.
The second “step-down resistor” was simply mounted under the Plate on the existing screw.

Here it is mounted on an 8N Dash:

And here it is on a 2N Dash:

The only thing I might add is a sketch showing my wiring connections:

Bob · Aug 21, 2015

That aughta do it!

oldtanker · Aug 21, 2015

Nice work but I have to ask. Why not just put a 12 volt coil on it and run it?

Rick

whopist · Aug 21, 2015

“Nice work but I have to ask. Why not just put a 12 volt coil on it and run it?

Rick”

Well, a coil cost $30 bucks and a resistor cost $6.
Also just my thinking; but, the 6V coil might run a little cooler than a 12v coil. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

Duner Wi · Aug 21, 2015

Congrats on putting the "remote sense" wire where GM intended or very close to it.

JMOR · Aug 21, 2015

(quoted from post at 20:49:59 08/21/15)
“Nice work but I have to ask. Why not just put a 12 volt coil on it and run it?

Rick”

Well, a coil cost $30 bucks and a resistor cost $6.
Also just my thinking; but, the 6V coil might run a little cooler than a 12v coil. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

ertainly it will run cooler! Now about half the heat is outside the coil & in the resistor vs the 12v coil. A plus is that coil current is stabilized & will remain more constant than with a 12v coil. Like the stabilizing ballast in a ship.

oldtanker · Aug 21, 2015

(quoted from post at 17:49:59 08/21/15)
“Nice work but I have to ask. Why not just put a 12 volt coil on it and run it?

Rick”

Well, a coil cost $30 bucks and a resistor cost $6.
Also just my thinking; but, the 6V coil might run a little cooler than a 12v coil. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

OK just asking. I went with 12 volt coils on all my conversions.

Rick

whopist · Aug 21, 2015

Oldtanker,

How long have you had those 12v coils in service?

Just wondering.

whopist

NoNewParts · Aug 21, 2015

nice job
save that diagram, it will be helpful to people asking questions.

tractorguy2 · Aug 21, 2015

I have a resister on my 6v square coil. I thought the original Ford coil would be of better quality than the new coils. I put my
resister where the cutout was mounted.

Royse · Aug 21, 2015

Neatly done! That's where I've been putting my diodes too.
I was torn between the vibration at the alternator and the
heat at the resistor but so far I haven't had any heat issues.
Looks a lot neater on the alternator end that way too.

whopist · Aug 21, 2015

Yes I'm old enough to know the old "run on start -- stop on run" of my 56 Ford. First year for 12v in Fords.

“N” Tractor 12V Power Distribution

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Bob

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oldtanker

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whopist

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Duner Wi

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JMOR

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oldtanker

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